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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Bennington, VT

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Direct Support Professional information

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Bennington, VT is $15.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.89 and $16.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct support professional?

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are caregivers who assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their daily lives. They help with personal care, medication management, meal preparation, and transportation, while also supporting clients in achieving personal goals and participating in community activities. DSPs play a vital role in promoting independence, dignity, and quality of life for those they support.

What are some common challenges direct support professionals face when supporting individuals with disabilities, and how can they effectively handle them?

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) often encounter challenges such as managing behavioral outbursts, ensuring effective communication with nonverbal individuals, and balancing the need for independence with safety. Handling these situations requires patience, empathy, and strong problem-solving skills. Many DSPs find it helpful to use individualized behavior support plans, maintain clear communication with team members, and participate in ongoing training. Building trust and understanding the unique needs of each individual also play a key role in overcoming daily challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a direct support professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Direct Support Professional, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic caregiving knowledge, and an understanding of developmental disabilities. Familiarity with documentation systems, incident reporting tools, and sometimes CPR/First Aid certification is typically required. Patience, strong interpersonal skills, and empathy are crucial soft skills for effectively supporting individuals and building trust. These skills are vital for ensuring client safety, promoting independence, and delivering compassionate care tailored to each individual's needs.

What is the difference between Direct Support Professional vs Personal Care Assistant?

AspectDirect Support ProfessionalPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes specialized trainingCPR, First Aid often required
Work EnvironmentAssisting individuals with disabilities in community or residential settingsProviding personal care in private homes or facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, healthcare providersHome care agencies, private clients

Both roles involve assisting individuals with daily activities, often requiring similar certifications like CPR and First Aid. However, Direct Support Professionals typically work in community or residential settings supporting people with disabilities, while Personal Care Assistants mainly provide personal care services in private homes. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the role that best matches their skills and career goals.

Where do direct support professionals get paid the most?

Direct Support Professionals tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare and social services, such as certain metropolitan areas. States or areas with a strong focus on healthcare, social services, or specialized care often offer higher pay rates for this role. Factors like experience, certifications, and the specific employer also influence salary levels.

What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Bennington, VT look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Bennington, VT are:

What cities near Bennington, VT are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Bennington, VT with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Bennington, VT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,664 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Direct Support Professional - Respite

United Counseling Service of Bennington County Inc

Bennington, VT โ€ข On-site

$21.19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Description:

Clients supported may be in Bennington as well as Manchester.

Expected schedule is Saturday - Wednesday, 9am-5pm or 10am-6pm.



Why join UCS?Since 1958, United Counseling Service (UCS) has been dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to individuals and families in our community. Through a wide range of programs, services, and educational opportunities, we strive to meet the diverse needs of those we serve. Our team includes professionals from various fields, including administration, clinical services, nursing, education, case management, psychiatry, and direct support, working across 17 facilities throughout Bennington County.As a proud affiliate of Vermont Care Partners—a statewide network of 16 non-profit community-based agencies—we deliver comprehensive mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental services across Vermont. We are currently seeking compassionate, motivated team players to join us in making a positive impact and building a stronger community.


UCS Offers Generous Benefits

  • Competitive pay
  • Generous paid time off
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement plan with employer match
  • Employer paid life insurance
  • Employer paid short term and long-term disability insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Career development opportunities
  • Free clinical supervision towards licensure
  • Loan repayment and tuition assistance program
  • Award winning worksite wellness program
  • An inclusive workplace supported by an active Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging committee.
  • Rewarding experience making a difference in the community.
We believe a dynamic and inclusive workforce will strengthen our organization and enhance the services we provide. Therefore, it is our goal to hire a diverse workforce and cultivate a culture where our employees feel accepted and included, hold a valued place within our organization and are equally able to contribute to their fullest extent, assisting in fulfilling our mission of building a stronger community.



OBJECTIVE/PURPOSE:

Under the direction of the Therapeutic Activities Program Coordinator, the Direct Support Professional - Respite is responsible for performing a variety of tasks for a child who has mental health needs to mitigate the buildup of stressors that put children at risk of more serious difficulties and / or removal from the home. Those tasks are related to the instruction, supervision, and monitoring of individuals’ skills for developing independence and inclusion into the community and improved social skills.


MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:


DIRECT SERVICE: Provides recreational activities and services to children in a respectful, friendly, and professional manner that supports client choice. Responsibilities include facilitating individual’s inclusion into the community through development and participation of meaningful community-based activities. Provides transportation for children and/or adolescents to and from community-based activities. Provides crisis intervention as directed by the program coordinator or manager. Acts as a role model for the clients and the community, understanding that all interactions are opportunities for teaching. Follows all treatment plans and supporting documents (i.e. behavior, safety, or communication plans). Attends all trainings and other meetings, as assigned. Required to work as a team or within a team of other community support workers to provide programming for clients at the Burgess Road After School Program.


RECORD KEEPING: Initiates and maintains compliance of timely and thorough record keeping and administrative/clinical documentation required to account for services to clients and program requirements. Such work includes, but is not limited to, client-specific assessments, case services, and progress notes, time sheets, schedules, and assigned periodic reports.


NETWORKING: Provides needed information to other staff, professionals, and family in a professional confidential manner. Serves as advocate and/or liaison on behalf of individual served, and UCS. Participates as a problem-solver in “team” and other meetings.


CONSULTATION: Acts as a member of the child's treatment team. Provides consultation/updates to case manager, parents, etc., as needed about child's needs/behavior. May attend treatment team meetings, as needed.



* In addition to the above, performs other duties as assigned.


EDUCATIONAL/EXPERIENCE/CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

High School Diploma or equivalent. Relevant experience in human services field preferred. Experience working with children and youth required.



LICENSE REQUIRED:

  • Valid Driver’s License


SKILLS REQUIRED:

  • Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.


Requirements: